Annual Night for Blue
We hope to see you at the 11th Annual Night for Blue in 2027!
This event will feature a festive cocktail reception, a meaningful program, and a silent auction, all dedicated to supporting the Philadelphia Police Department.
Night for Blue is the Philadelphia Police Foundation’s premier fundraising event, an inspiring, fast-paced evening that brings together supporters for networking, auctions, and a shared commitment to public safety. In just two hours, the event raises vital funds for unbudgeted needs, like equipment, technology, youth programs, and advanced training, fueling the PPF’s mission of equitable and effective policing across Philadelphia.
Learn more about this event: Watch Video
2026 Founders Award
We are thrilled to announce that we are honoring Wawa with the 2026 Founders Award, which will be presented to Chief Executive Officer, Chris Gheysens, at the 2026 Night For Blue.
As Lead Goose of Wawa – a chain of more than 1,150 convenience stores across 13 states – Chris Gheysens drives the company’s purpose of Fulfilling Lives Every Day, which includes the company’s role in building stronger communities through Wawa and The Wawa Foundation.
Wawa and The Wawa Foundation support three focus areas of health, hunger and heroes and that includes support of the Philadelphia Police Foundation and the COPS Scholarship Fund. The partnership with the Police Foundation is just one way Wawa shows a strong commitment to its hometown Philadelphia through ongoing initiatives such as Police Appreciation Day, Run for Blue, Mental Health & Wellness programs that help communities grow and recognize the important work of those who serve them.
We look forward to recognizing Chris Gheysens and Wawa for their critical support of the Philadelphia Police Foundation and public safety in the community.
2026 Extraordinary Act of Courage Award
Sgt. James O’Connor
We will posthumously recognize Philadelphia Police Sergeant James O’Connor with the 2026 Extraordinary Act of Courage Award at this year’s Night for Blue. Sgt. O’Connor was a 23-year veteran of the force who embodied the essence of service and sacrifice. On March 13, 2020, while executing a high-risk warrant with the PPD SWAT team, Sgt. O’Connor was killed in the line of duty. Because his passing occurred at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, the community was unable to gather for the traditional tribute Sgt. O’Connor’s heroics and sacrifice deserved. This year, we will honor a legacy that extends beyond his own decades of service. The O’Connor family’s commitment to protecting others continues through Terri and Jim O’Connor’s children: Kelsey, a veteran of the United States Air Force and Jimmy, who currently serves as a Philadelphia Police Officer.
We are honored to have the opportunity to present the Courage Award to Sgt. O’Connor’s family in recognition of his unwavering dedication to Philadelphia, the ultimate sacrifice that he and his family have made, and the profound spirit of service that lives on through his children and his fellow officers.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Commissioner level
Anonymous Donation
Linda Richardson Korman and Steven Korman
Dr. James and Lisa Wilson
Daniel M. DiLella
Steve & Laurie Katznelson
Inspector Level
Joanne M. Berwind
The Keller Family
Stephen Klein
The Honickman Foundation
Captain Level
MAUREEN S. RUSH AND DR. JAQUELINE HUDAK
Lieutenant Level
Ann Thornton Field
Angela Vacante
Dranoff Family
William Bowie
Mo Rushdy
Janice Tangradi
Clark Stossel
Josephy Neubauer & Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer
John Fry, President, Temple University
John K. Binswanger
Kate Wood
Night For Blue Founders Award Honoree's
2026
Chris Gheysens
Wawa
2025
Leo, Tom and Michael Holt
Holt Logistics Corp
2024
Independence Blue Cross
2023
Brad Korman, Steve Korman and Linda Richardson-Korman
The Korman Family
2022
Maureen S. Rush
2021
Daniel M. DiLella
2020
Joseph Coradino
2019
Charles P. Pizzi
2018
Patrick J. O'Connor
2017
John K. Binswanger
More About The Police Foundation's Night for Blue
The PPF’s mission is to help ensure transparent, equitable and excellent policing for everyone. The organization helps Philadelphia Police ensure and enhance the safety of every Philadelphian from every Neighborhood. Night for Blue is by far our most significant fundraising vehicle and has helped the PPF provide funding for critical equipment, advanced technology, youth initiatives and programs and innovative training that is outside the City’s budget.
A Night for Blue is a dynamic, festive and inspiring 2-hour networking event, with a silent and live auction, all in support of the unbudgeted needs of the Philadelphia Police Department. There may not be a more challenging profession in our country today than being a police officer in a major city, and therefore, with all that has transpired over the past two (2) years.
Over the past two (2) years individuals, businesses, and foundations have generously contributed nearly $2 million dollars to underwrite critical but unbudgeted priorities.
Thank you to all who joined us and a special thanks to all who donated!
For questions, please reach out to our Executive Director at execdirector@phillypolicefoundation.org.
Event Highlights
